Irresistible Maple-Bourbon Candied Turkey Wings Recipe

Posted on November 1, 2025

maple-bourbon candied turkey wings - featured image

Introduction

The smell of caramelized maple syrup, smoky bourbon, and tender turkey wings filling the kitchen is nothing short of magical. These irresistible Maple-Bourbon Candied Turkey Wings are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a sticky glaze that will have you licking your fingers and reaching for seconds. I first made this recipe for a family gathering, and let me tell you—it was an instant hit. Everyone wanted to know my secret, and I couldn’t help but share my love for this easy yet impressive dish!

Turkey wings often get overlooked, but they’re incredibly flavorful and meaty. When paired with the deep, rich notes of maple syrup and bourbon, they turn into a dish that feels indulgent and comforting. This recipe is perfect for the holidays, game days, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. Trust me, once you try these candied turkey wings, you’ll wonder why you didn’t sooner!

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof, and the flavor payoff is so worth it. Plus, it’s great for experimenting—you can tweak the glaze to suit your taste preferences. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and bourbon creates a rich, smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the savory turkey.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or game day, these turkey wings always get rave reviews from guests.
Perfect Balance: It’s sweet without being overpowering, with just the right amount of smoky bourbon to keep things interesting.
Unique Yet Familiar: Turkey wings are a fun twist on traditional chicken wings, and the candied glaze adds a touch of indulgence that’s unforgettable.

What sets this recipe apart is the delicate balance of flavors. The glaze is thick, glossy, and packed with layers of sweetness, smokiness, and a hint of tang. And the turkey wings? They’re juicy, tender, and full of flavor. This isn’t your average wing recipe—it’s a showstopper.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients plus a couple of stars to amp up the flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Turkey wings: About 2-3 pounds, rinsed and patted dry.
Maple syrup: Go for pure maple syrup for the best flavor—it’s the hero of the glaze!
Bourbon: Pick a mid-range bourbon with a smooth, smoky profile. It adds incredible depth.
Brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel flavor and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps give the glaze a silky texture.
Garlic powder: For a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness.
Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of spice and smokiness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper: A touch of heat to round out the flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness.

All of these ingredients together create magic. If you don’t have bourbon, you can use whiskey or even omit it for a non-alcoholic version, but I strongly recommend trying it with bourbon for the full flavor experience.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is ideal for cooking the wings evenly.
Aluminum foil: Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Small saucepan: Perfect for making the maple-bourbon glaze.
Pastry brush: For brushing the glaze onto the wings.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key when making the glaze.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the wings while baking.

If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can use the back of a spoon or simply drizzle the glaze with a measuring cup. For a more hands-off approach, you can even toss the wings in the glaze before baking, but brushing ensures even coverage and a gorgeous caramelized finish.

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the wings: Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up in the oven. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) maple syrup, 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon, 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar.
Brush the wings: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the turkey wings with the maple-bourbon glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
Bake the wings: Place the wings in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking and brush with more glaze.
Finish with a broil: For perfectly caramelized wings, switch your oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Rest and serve: Let the wings cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the glaze set, making them easier to eat.

Pro tip: If your glaze looks too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or bourbon to thin it out.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t skimp on drying the wings before baking. This step ensures crispy skin and helps the glaze stick.
Use parchment paper if you don’t have aluminum foil—it’s just as effective for easy cleanup.
For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of liquid smoke to the glaze.
If you’re in a rush, you can skip the broiling step, but remember that it adds that irresistible caramelized finish.
When flipping the wings, use tongs to avoid tearing the skin.

If the wings don’t seem to caramelize enough, don’t worry! You can always brush on extra glaze and broil them a bit longer. Just be mindful of the sugar content—it can burn quickly.

Variations & Adaptations

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze for a fiery twist.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a family-friendly version.
Seasonal Twist: Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free recipe, swap out butter for a vegan alternative like coconut oil.
Grilled Wings: Instead of baking, grill the wings for a smoky charred flavor. Brush the glaze on throughout grilling.

Personally, I love to add a sprinkle of crushed pecans after brushing the glaze for a nutty crunch—it’s a game-changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Maple-Bourbon Candied Turkey Wings warm for the best flavor. They pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. For beverages, consider serving with a bourbon cocktail or iced tea to complement the flavors.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. You can also freeze the wings for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

The glaze gets even better after sitting, so the flavors will deepen and develop over time!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These wings are a delightful treat, but they also pack some nutritional value. Turkey is a great source of lean protein, making it a satisfying option for meals. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and contains antioxidants, while bourbon adds a touch of indulgence without overloading on sugar.

Each serving is approximately 250 calories, with 12g of protein. For those watching their carbs, you can reduce the sugar slightly without compromising the flavor.

Note: This recipe contains dairy and alcohol, so keep that in mind when serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about the way these Maple-Bourbon Candied Turkey Wings come together. They’re sweet, smoky, and savory all at once—a true feast for the senses. Perfect for sharing, customizing, and savoring. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is a must-try.

I love making this dish because it’s a way to turn simple turkey wings into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s always fun to see people’s faces light up after that first bite!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Share your variations and tips, and don’t forget to save or pin this recipe for later. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

FAQs

Can I use chicken wings instead of turkey wings?

Yes, chicken wings are a great alternative! Just adjust the cooking time as they’re smaller and will cook faster.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! Bake the wings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven and brush on fresh glaze before serving.

What type of bourbon should I use?

A mid-range bourbon with a smooth flavor works best. Avoid flavored varieties and opt for something like Maker’s Mark or Bulleit.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Ensure your bourbon and other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep an eye on the wings during the broiling step and use a lower rack in the oven to reduce direct heat exposure.